Hi Paula, nice to meet you! 😊 For me, managing RA pain is a combination of staying consistent with my treatment, gentle exercise/stretching, and using pain relief when needed. I try not to rely on painkillers regularly unless the pain is difficult to manage. I’ve also learned that getting enough rest and listening to my body makes a big difference. Everyone’s RA is different, so what works for me may not work the same way for someone else. ❤️
September 10
Managing RA pain is very personal — what works for one person may not work for another. That said, there are several well-known approaches that many people with RA use to find relief.
Here are some common pain management options to discuss with your rheumatologist:
Medications
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen Show Full Answer
Managing RA pain is very personal — what works for one person may not work for another. That said, there are several well-known approaches that many people with RA use to find relief.
Here are some common pain management options to discuss with your rheumatologist:
Medications:
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
- Corticosteroids like prednisone for short-term flare relief
- Corticosteroid injections directly into affected joints
- DMARDs like methotrexate to slow disease progression
- Biologic medications for more advanced RA At-home therapies:
- Heat packs to ease muscle spasms and improve blood flow
- Cold packs to reduce inflammation
- Topical creams, gels, or patches for localized pain relief
- Compression gloves for hand and finger pain Complementary approaches:
- Gentle exercise or physical therapy
- Massage and essential oils
- Acupuncture
- Meditation and deep breathing for stress reduction
- Dietary changes, such as following an anti-inflammatory diet
A myRAteam member shared that they couldn't remember the last time their pain felt unmanageable — not because they don't experience pain, but because they became very proactive about managing it.
Always check with your rheumatologist before starting any new pain management approach to make sure it's safe alongside your current treatments.
September 8
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